Fabrication of an 1897 Herreshoff marine steam engine

Abstract

A 19th century Herreshoff marine steam engine was developed using a combination of traditional and modern fabrication methods. Background on Nathaniel Herreshoff, his connection to MIT and the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company was provided. The process for selection of appropriate steam engine with the input from the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Museum at MIT was explored. CAD models were developed from the original drawings from MIT's Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection. Pattern making options, casting, sand types and machining practices were explored and analyzed. Furthermore, a blueprint for a single-semester course in advanced fabrication methods for MIT 2.007 Senior Undergraduate Apprentices was proposed.